By Chris Thomas
Yellow rubber ducks are not often associated with banjo twangs and mandolin solos, let alone over 20,000 ducks. But on the morning of Sept. 26, they somehow came together at Waterfront Park. Last Saturday, the sixth annual Ken-Ducky Derby took place in the Festival Plaza section of the park.
The festival is officially named the Maeser Master Services Family Festival. And festivities also surround this aquatic counterpart to the Kentucky Derby. Large inflatable toys could be seen from the street, such as a purple dinosaur that doubled as a play place for jumping children. In addition, a large apparatus allowed young boys and girls to imitate bungee jumping.
The entertainment, however, was not only for the kids. Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity organized a cornhole tournament to accompany the event. Bluegrass music filled the morning air, provided by Hog Operation, a local string band. Following them on stage was a duo of local disc jockeys: OK Deejays. They spun records until around noon, most of which were produced long before the first Ken-Ducky Derby began six years ago.
But that’s not all. Booths for henna tattoos, tarot readings, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, and ovarian cancer awareness were featured. Many people bought rubber ducks for $5 each, with a chance to win a Honda Civic, a Kymco scooter and savings bonds.
Many choices of food and beverages accompanied the day’s entertainment. A small Starbucks tent sold coffee at low prices, while Krispy Kreme gave away free doughnuts next door, only accepting donations as payment.
These donations went to Harbor House of Louisville, an organization that helps physically and mentally disabled adults. Betty Snellen, a program supervisor for Harbor House, spoke about the facility.
“Harbor House is a special place for people with special needs,” said Snellen. “They can work in workshops, and also have a place to go during the day. It allows them to make money and earn a living, as well as have a social life.”
Despite the dreary, cloud-filled sky, many people came out to the event. For the sixth year in a row, with the river and bridge as the backdrop for the music stage, the Ken-Ducky Derby raised over $100,000 for Harbor House programs. For more information on the Maeser Master Services Family Festival, the Ken-Ducky Derby or Harbor House, visit duckrace.com/louisville.
